This is a picture-less post.
I meant for it to be that way.
In this particular blog, pictures would be limitations.
And this story demands your fascinating imagination to visit the places of which I write.
So if you wish it, read on.
There is something wonderful about a perfect fall day. It begins as the sun peers around the world's edge to introduce the dawn. Those glorious rays so warm and golden travel through space and sky to caress my face and create a bright glow in the darkness of my still closed eyes. I slowly open my fire lit eyes and behold the glory of
the morning beyond the frosted glass of my window. As I peer out into the world, still in the warmth of my bed, shadows dance across my face from the wings of birds crossing the sunlight's path.
Observing the world with my head still pillowed, I hear the sound of soft laughter coming from below. The sound is soothing as I consider the joy that has already filled this home so early in the morning. I am certain they are in the kitchen because I hear metal against metal and the sound of utensils gently colliding. Something is baking in the oven. A homemade scent fills the room with its sweetness. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and pumpkin bread entices me to partake of its delicacies. I want to join the sweet company of those downstairs but the warmth of my quilt keeps me in bed a little while longer.
Frigid air made its way in through the cracks of the cabin last night, so I pull the blankets higher up to my face to cover my frozen nose. I look down by my feet and find my chocolate companion still lying there keeping my toes warm. She too has decided to stay indoors instead of chasing felines in the unforgiving cold of the morning. But at the sound of a soft whistle, she goes to her calling and leaves me a little colder.
I am now convinced to slowly slide out from under my covers. My feet meet the chilled wood floor with surprise. A wool pair of socks are tossed on the floor nearby which I swoop up and pull over my toes. Still feeling the harshness of the cold, I quickly grab a sweater graced on the back of the wicker chair at my desk. Now properly bundled, I descend the stairs to be greeted with even more sunlight penetrating the windows that line the walls. Pine and Aspen gently sway in the morning breeze as the sun peers over their tops and through their branches reaching my face. I now ignore any reason to stay in the warmth of the indoors and am certain I will indulge in the nature I see.
The day goes on and beckons me to come outside. Layer after layer, a scarf and hat later, I prepare myself for what lies beyond the warmth of home. As the glory of the morning passes and the brilliant sun reaches its peak, I find myself drenched in all of autumns splendor. This glorious tapestry is only explainable by Divine intervention upon the earth. Within my first few steps of entering the outdoors, I already hear the crackling sound of leaves underfoot. As I walk through the hilly field of golden rods, ferns and a plethora of trees, I look up and behold the sky. It is so big and blue speckled with clouds seeming to be miles overhead. In the distance sits a single raven atop a fence post lining the wood's edge. It's ebony outline distinguishes it as something dark and dreadful against the softer hues of autumn's pallet. All around me I see trees painted fiery colors of red, orange and yellow. I am captivated by even the little intricacies of the leaves that cling to their limbs a little while longer before they fall to their earthen grave. Each leaf is lined with gold dust from the sunshine penetrating translucent clouds above.
I hear rustling of branches from the brisk wind blowing in from the north. Hints of winter ride on its wings and the cold bites my nose. A rain like pattering sound comes without storm clouds or soggy downpours. I realize it is merely acorns dropping from a mighty oak towering over me. I hear the scampering of squirrels playing up above in its branches. They are tree ninjas. Above them flies a group of feathered long neck aviators that grab my attention. My gaze follows this V-shaped team flying south. I am so lighthearted that it wouldn't seem impossible for me to pull out my own wings and go with them.
My attention is drawn from above when I find myself being mysteriously intrigued by a pungent smell that has reached my nose. It smells like a mixture of decaying woodlands and cider. I weave my way through the field in search of its source. I find a newly blossomed crab apple tree which I soon discover is the source of that smell. Reaching up in excitement, I pluck a premature apple and bite into its sourness. I realize that the hungry wood dwellers will probably enjoy the fruit of this tree more than I.
Now time has waned on me as I have explored the beckoning country side. The remaining beams of sunshine did not seem promising in my pursuit home but they were gracious to afford me the light necessary to make it back. A short distance from the house now, I see soft smoke being expelled from the chimney which is evidence that the soft glow of the light beyond the window panes is from a crackling fire inside. I know the shadowy figures of those I see walking back and forth behind the curtains will warmly embrace me once I return. But before I turn to head home I take one last look at the world I'm in.
Upon this knoll, I take in everything surrounding me. The sun slips back around the world's edge to introduce the night. Those glorious rays that were once so warm and golden now seem to travel back through space and sky leaving my face chilled without its warm caress. Darkened hills below are tucked in for the night by an azure haze. The blackening night sky engulfs this small world with a million-starred embrace. Directly into the horizon lies a jagged snow capped outline of the distant mountain range. It appears harsh, yet magnificent. It is the towering attraction of all majesty within my view. The wind magically coos the earth to sleep and all becomes still. As the bitter breeze reaches my ears and nose I suddenly realize I am cold. But I am full. I am filled by the Divine intervention upon the face of the earth. I stand alone in the solitude of silence and yet still hear the earth quietly proclaim elegant pulchritude. I return to my home content with the embrace of a perfect fall day.
